The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities and hospital services.

The main office for DBHDD is located in downtown Atlanta.

Job Description

Job Title: Forensic Jail Liaison

Pay Grade: J

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Forensic Director – DBHDD East Forensic Community Team, and working in close partnership with the mental health vendor and the sheriff department at the Richmond County Jail, the Forensic Jail Liaison will:

- Provide case management and educational sessions focused on competency restoration for defendants who have been adjudicated as incompetent to stand trial by a State or Superior Court.

- Regularly inform the East Forensic Community Team regarding status of competency restoration for defendants.

- Collaborate with the East Forensic Community Team in obtaining court orders for community-based competency restoration services for defendants who no longer require hospital-level competency restoration.

- Collaborate with the East Forensic Community Team to identify defendants who are pending pre-trial competency evaluations or who have inpatient competency restoration orders, who may be appropriate for diversion to community resources rather than hospitalization.

- Facilitate referrals to other behavioral health treatment programs as needed.

- Develop and maintain a working relationship with the East County Jail’s Mental Health Provider.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or related field

Two years of experience working with individuals with mental illness

Knowledgeable about Georgia’s mental health and criminal justice systems

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits

Employment Requirements
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia.

The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:

• Drug Screening
• TB Evaluation
• Annual Influenza*

*Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.

When applying for this position, you will be asked if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as stated below and may possibly be presented with additional questions to assess preferred qualifications. Preference will be given to applicants who meet one or more of the preferred qualifications and have demonstrated relevant experience clearly indicated in their work history.